Hot Weather, Spare The Air Alert For Thursday

Bay City News Service

Temperatures are expected to approach 100 degrees in inland parts of the Bay Area beginning Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Communities such as Walnut Creek, Santa Rosa, Napa, Concord and Livermore will see temperatures in the 90s and up to 100 degrees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, said meteorologist Steve Anderson.

A Spare the Air advisory has been issued for the Bay Area on Thursday. Additional Spare the Air days may occur on Friday and Saturday, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

During Spare the Air days, residents are encouraged to cut back on activities such as driving and using gas-powered lawnmowers. Those with respiratory issues should limit their time outdoors.

The hot weather also heightens fire danger, particularly in areas with dry grass or brush, Cal Fire spokesman Dan Berlant said. Campers and hikers should be especially careful when using fire in brushy areas, he said.

Those sticking close to home are also advised to be vigilant.

"One of the common causes of fires at home is equipment use, such as lawnmowers or weed-eaters," Berlant said. "On a hot day, especially when
it's windy, it's easy for a mower blade to strike a rock and spark a fire on
dry grass."

Temperatures should begin to cool off on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, according to Anderson.